The 17 Best Face Oils for Dry and Flaky Skin

Face oil alone can’t give your skin the hydration it needs, but it’s a great team player with other products to boost the skin’s moisture levels. “When skin is dry, it is often because of skin barrier dysfunction. The skin barrier helps nourish the skin while sealing in hydration. When the skin barrier is damaged, you’ll experience higher rates of transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which leaves your skin dry and irritated. By hydrating skin with a humectant like hyaluronic acid and then using a face oil, you will be able to help restore the health of the skin barrier, lock in lasting moisture, and promote a more nourished complexion,” Dr. Geeta Yadav, founder of Toronto-based dermatology Facet Dermatology, explains.

Dr. Yadav says the best oil is jojoba since it absorbs easily and is super lightweight. “It’s biomimetic, meaning it functions similarly to the oils of our own skin (a.k.a. sebum). It’s well tolerated by most, won’t congest pores, and doesn’t feel heavy on the skin,” she adds.

“No, face oil and serum do not serve the same purpose in a skincare regimen. While face oil nourishes the skin, serum features high concentrations of an ingredient in a fast-absorbing texture to treat targeted concerns,” Dr. Yadav says.